8. The Moon and Pitriloka

The narration of Srimad Bhagavata give traditional information about the moon and its relationship with the deceased ancestors in line with holistic approach to Hindu Astrology.

[...]^[1]

When the moon is waxing, its enlightened portions increase daily, that forms a day for the demigods and night for the pitas. When the moon is waning, it causes night for the demigods a day for the pitas-the inhabitants of Pitriloka. Along with its waxing and waning state, moon passes through each constellation of stars containing thirty Muhurtas per day. The moon is the source of nectarine coolness that influences the growth of food grains, and therefore the moon is treated as a deity for all living entities. It is consequently called Jiva, the chief living being within the universe.

[...]^[2]

As the moon is owned with all potentialities, it represents the influence of the Supreme Personality. The moon stands the predominating deity of everyone’s mind, and therefore the moon-god is called Manomaya. It is considered as Annamaya because of giving potency to all herbs and plants. Moreover, it is also deliberated as Amritamaya as a source of life for all the living entities. The moon pleases demigods, pitas, human beings, animals, birds, reptiles, trees, plants and all other living beings. Every living organism gets satisfaction by the presence of the moon. Therefore the moon is entitled as Sarvamaya–the all-pervading.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Sreemad Bhagavatam 05-22-0091

[2]:

Ibid; 05-22-0101